Lessons from Plants
You'll find lessons from a variety of plants in this section. I love them all, but must confess that my favorite plants are not the showy orchids or the florist's favorites. As long as I can remember, I’ve been delighted with those unappreciated second class citizens of the plant world referred to as "weeds". Finding a plant that has survived on its own initiative without the coddling and special privileges given to the greenhouse or garden varieties is a great joy to me. The hours I spent by my grandmother’s side opened my heart and mind to the pleasures of weeds and my appetite for learning about them has grown through the years. I’m not certain if it was a coincidence or just the way she looked at life, but her favorite sayings were:
“You can’t judge a book by its cover.” and
“Pretty is as pretty does.”
“Pretty is as pretty does.”
By looking for the hidden qualities in natures most misunderstood and unappreciated road side plants, we can learn lessons that will help us recognize and value ourselves and others. If we discount something or someone because of a manmade label, we may miss a precious gift!
Everyone has value. It may not be apparent on the surface, but we are all here for a reason. The world will be far richer when we look for the assets, rather than the deficits, in ourselves and others.
Everyone has value. It may not be apparent on the surface, but we are all here for a reason. The world will be far richer when we look for the assets, rather than the deficits, in ourselves and others.
“Man is the only critter who feels the need to label things as flowers or weeds.”
Unknown author
Bloodroot - Ambiguity
Bloodroot
Who would think that this delicate spring flower, with its shining angelic face and fragile petals, would be the source of Native American Indian war paint? I was in 5th grade when I found this flower growing in the mountains behind the faculty apartments at West Virginia Institute of Technology (Tech) in Montgomery, West Virginia. I can still remember what I was wearing - a white peasant blouse and spring green capris. The reason I remember so vividly is that I picked a flower to take home to look up more information (we didn't have the look but don't touch rules back then) and the crimson juice from the stem ruined my clothes. When I returned home I learned that the root was used for war paint and dye. This delicate little flower has also been used to treat asthma and bronchitis and to repel insects. Looks can be deceiving!
Burdock - Creativity
Burdock caused me frustration when I was a little girl in Indiana. I remember ripping the burdock burrs off my socks after I returned from my walks. They clung vehemently and I don’t remember any response other than annoyance. It never occurred to me that this plant had the potential to make me a millionaire! Fortunately someone more creative found the value and used the concept to create Velcro. Now it is on sneakers, clothing, bags, suitcases, lawn furniture, etc. When I see burdock now I have more respect! And I wonder what other plants, and people, have virtues that are undiscovered. When I think creatively I am more tolerant.
Celandine - Quiet Preparation
Celandine was blooming in abundance on the way to the stone arch bridge yesterday. I’ve walked there almost every day and haven’t noticed it. It must have been quietly growing, but until it blossomed it was almost invisible. It’s true for all of us. Until we find our passion and develop our skills we often go unnoticed. There is boundless potential in each of us but it takes time and effort to nurture our talents. Being invisible can be an asset. There are no expectations. It provides a protective veil so we can secretly grow until we are ready to share our blossoms!
Cleavers - Creative Solutions
Cleavers
Cleavers or goose grass is covered with hooked bristles and is similar to burdock. The latin name comes from aparo which means to seize. It is another plant often dismissed as simply a weed. My grandmother was a seamstress and quilter and she used the seeds on pins with small heads to make them larger. At that time the heads on straight pins were small. Now we have pins with larger colored-ball heads.
Dandelion - Humility
Dandelion
The dandelion was my grandmother’s favorite flower. She would simply beam at the thought of their sunny golden faces! There were many flowers growing in her gardens and she could have easily identified with one that was less humble. “Mom” was tall, slender, and very elegant. Like the dandelion, she had a face that could light up the room!
Dogwood -
Dogwood
It was a crisp, clear spring day when I headed to Chester County, PA to visit my brother. When I enetered the driveway I noticed a dogwook tree in bloom and called him over to see if he remembered the legend of the dogwood. He said he had never heard it. It had been decades since I heard the legend in Bible School.
At one time, the Dogwood was as tall as an oak. The wood from the formidable tree was used to make the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The Dogwood was so sad and full of remorse to have played a part in this heinous crime that is cried out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus took pity on the tree and promised that from that time on the dogwood would never again grow tall enough to be used for such a cruel purpose. Then he gave it blossoms in the form of a cross with nail prints of blood on each end. The center of the blossom is represents a crown of thorns to remind us of the pain he suffered and his love for all mankind.
At one time, the Dogwood was as tall as an oak. The wood from the formidable tree was used to make the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The Dogwood was so sad and full of remorse to have played a part in this heinous crime that is cried out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus took pity on the tree and promised that from that time on the dogwood would never again grow tall enough to be used for such a cruel purpose. Then he gave it blossoms in the form of a cross with nail prints of blood on each end. The center of the blossom is represents a crown of thorns to remind us of the pain he suffered and his love for all mankind.
Lamb's Ears - Comfort
Lamb's Ears grew in my grandmother's garden in Indiana and have always been a favorite. Unlike most plants, it isn't necessary to keep them in water or press them in a book. They are one of the few plants that remain naturally preserved long after being removed from their source of nutrients. They remain soft and flexible and can provide comfort. The softness of the leaves and the soft gray color provide natural stress relief, and at one time they were given to children during long church surfaces to stroke for comfort, much like petting a kitten. If we remain flexible, even while we are removed from out source of nutrients, we can provide comfort to others.
Lilies of the Valley - Subtle Gifts
lilies of the valley - journal page
Even though the flowers of the lily of the valley are tiny, understated and hidden under their protective foliage, their fragrance demands attention! A flower does not need to be brilliantly colored or large in order to have a gift to share. If we look beyond the apparent we can find different kinds of rewards in plants, as well as each other! The fragrance they create has been called "eau d'or" or "gold water", and it is believed to enable us to envision a better world! Imagine! A fragrance with so much power that it improves our view of the world. That is a powerful gift. And my grandmother assured me that fairies use lilies of the valley as ladders!.
Poison Ivy
There is a beautiful vine that grows on tree next to the stream behind my cabin. The vine winds up and around the tree diagonally and the leaves cascade back down in intriguing patterns.
It captures my attention all year but in the fall it is particularly glorious!
Don’t be fooled! It’s poison ivy! Poisons can be attractive—very alluring. As you begin your journey to improvement you will need to be aware of poisons. They come in many forms and there are people who make a living by making them appear even more attractive. They can convince us that we can’t live with out things that add no value to our lives or may even be deadly!
There is a book called Native Wisdom for White Minds: Daily Reflections Inspired by the Native People’s of the World by Anne Wilson Schaef that gives a fascinating perspective on advertising. She refers to a Swahili Proverb which states:
It captures my attention all year but in the fall it is particularly glorious!
Don’t be fooled! It’s poison ivy! Poisons can be attractive—very alluring. As you begin your journey to improvement you will need to be aware of poisons. They come in many forms and there are people who make a living by making them appear even more attractive. They can convince us that we can’t live with out things that add no value to our lives or may even be deadly!
There is a book called Native Wisdom for White Minds: Daily Reflections Inspired by the Native People’s of the World by Anne Wilson Schaef that gives a fascinating perspective on advertising. She refers to a Swahili Proverb which states:
“A good thing sells itself. A bad thing is advertised.”
A valuable lesson from nature is that some things that appear very attractive are best left alone. Learn to pause and trust your intuition. Take time to assess, whether you are walking in the woods or through the mall.
Wild Rose - Overcoming Obstacles
Yesterday I was surprised to see a wild rose in bloom! It seemed much too early. So many factors are involved in a blossom’s debut – often relating to a nurturing environment. It’s the same for us. Working with the homeless population reminded me that many people are deprived with a safe, supportive environment. As a result, we are often deprived of their gifts. Yet there are times when a life reaches full bloom in spite of, not because of, our environment.
Note: This was written before I lost my home in a flood. The following post was written in July 2013
"I've spent the month immersed in herbs and roses - creating herb e-books for this fall's course, and the rose book for a give away on my website. The herb booklets features water color sketches and the roses photographs and Im enjoying both medias. Several other booklets are outlined and eagerly waiting my attention.
Having my energy and passion back has made me aware of how depleted I was after the flood. At one point I compared myself to a turtle, carrying my home in my heart and on my back for sixteen months, but it wasn't until recently that I realized the weight of the shell. Yet it served me well. It provided protection during the times of dormancy, as I reflected, processed and eventually outgrew its restrictions. My shell has cracked wide open and I've taken wing like a phoenix. If there isn't a mythological creature who turns from a turtle to a diaphanous winged wonder, there should be! How many of us have suffered life's blows, temporarily crawled into our shells, then emerged into something so much more than we would have been if our lives had remained staid and steady?
In the midst of the passionate, productive, creative frenzy, I'm also feeling more comfortable with being vulnerable. The shell has served its purpose. Like the covering of a seed that needs to soften and break open before the roots can emerge to take nutrients and grow, my shell has split, allowing me to reach out to give and receive information, resources and blessings."
Note: This was written before I lost my home in a flood. The following post was written in July 2013
"I've spent the month immersed in herbs and roses - creating herb e-books for this fall's course, and the rose book for a give away on my website. The herb booklets features water color sketches and the roses photographs and Im enjoying both medias. Several other booklets are outlined and eagerly waiting my attention.
Having my energy and passion back has made me aware of how depleted I was after the flood. At one point I compared myself to a turtle, carrying my home in my heart and on my back for sixteen months, but it wasn't until recently that I realized the weight of the shell. Yet it served me well. It provided protection during the times of dormancy, as I reflected, processed and eventually outgrew its restrictions. My shell has cracked wide open and I've taken wing like a phoenix. If there isn't a mythological creature who turns from a turtle to a diaphanous winged wonder, there should be! How many of us have suffered life's blows, temporarily crawled into our shells, then emerged into something so much more than we would have been if our lives had remained staid and steady?
In the midst of the passionate, productive, creative frenzy, I'm also feeling more comfortable with being vulnerable. The shell has served its purpose. Like the covering of a seed that needs to soften and break open before the roots can emerge to take nutrients and grow, my shell has split, allowing me to reach out to give and receive information, resources and blessings."
White Dead Nettle
Labels do such damage. The square stem of the "white dead nettle" indicates that it is from the mint family and it is certainly not dead Indeed this plant blooms from early sprint through late autumn. In addition to its inappropriate name, it is also discareded as simply 'a weed." Granted, it can be irritating if you rub against it with bare skin, but there have been those who have been willing to give it a second look. If cooked, it can be eaten, and it has been used to treat snake and dog bites and other poisons. It is an antidote for nightshade and poison hemlock which I've frequently noticed grow right beside it. This supports the theory that for every poison in nature there is an antidote growing near by.
Labels of any kind can be limiting. We may thing that only the negative assumptions and stereotypes can limit, but we need to beware of positive labels as well. If you say that someone if very intelligent you many not consider that they are also athletic or artistic. We tend to stop looking and listening once we have applied the label. Making judgements about others limits our perceptions and may also ultimately limit the way they see themselves.
Working with young people in schools and women in the prison system has reinforced those lessons. After my first session with a group of seventh grade students, I hurried into the prinicpal's office to thank her for the opportunity to work with them and rave about how talented and delighful they were. "How did you decide who would be in my class," I asked. "They are such a great group of students."
She literally took two steps back. "They are the worst kids in the school." I left her office wondering which of us was more stunned.
The following week I asked the students how they had been chosen to be in my class. They reinforced the principal's statement. One girl seemed amused that I didn't know. She said they let me think the best of them instead of the worst. Treating them with respect and making it clear that I expected the best from them had been a winning situation for me as well as the students. There were no limits based on false expectations, and the young people continued to surprise and delight me with their talents, insights and creative potential.
It was the same in the prison. We didn't ask why the women were incarcerated. The less we knew, the better. Many had been labeled and expected to do poorly all of their lives. The women I met were intelligent, creative, kind and spiritual. Their paths often led them in the wrong direction because of a "go along to get along' attitude. They didn't have enough self esteem to refuse to participate in activities that could get them into trouble. And once incarcerated, their labels, and the labels from others, stuck, whether they were true or not. The white dead nettle has lessons to teach.
Labels of any kind can be limiting. We may thing that only the negative assumptions and stereotypes can limit, but we need to beware of positive labels as well. If you say that someone if very intelligent you many not consider that they are also athletic or artistic. We tend to stop looking and listening once we have applied the label. Making judgements about others limits our perceptions and may also ultimately limit the way they see themselves.
Working with young people in schools and women in the prison system has reinforced those lessons. After my first session with a group of seventh grade students, I hurried into the prinicpal's office to thank her for the opportunity to work with them and rave about how talented and delighful they were. "How did you decide who would be in my class," I asked. "They are such a great group of students."
She literally took two steps back. "They are the worst kids in the school." I left her office wondering which of us was more stunned.
The following week I asked the students how they had been chosen to be in my class. They reinforced the principal's statement. One girl seemed amused that I didn't know. She said they let me think the best of them instead of the worst. Treating them with respect and making it clear that I expected the best from them had been a winning situation for me as well as the students. There were no limits based on false expectations, and the young people continued to surprise and delight me with their talents, insights and creative potential.
It was the same in the prison. We didn't ask why the women were incarcerated. The less we knew, the better. Many had been labeled and expected to do poorly all of their lives. The women I met were intelligent, creative, kind and spiritual. Their paths often led them in the wrong direction because of a "go along to get along' attitude. They didn't have enough self esteem to refuse to participate in activities that could get them into trouble. And once incarcerated, their labels, and the labels from others, stuck, whether they were true or not. The white dead nettle has lessons to teach.
Yarrow
Yarrow is an herb, often considered a weed, with a fascinating history. Common names for it include Bloodwort, Soldier’s Woundwort, Staunchweed, and Herbe Militarius. These relate to the Latin name, Achillea Milfollum which comes from the legend of Achilles who used the herb in battle to stop the bleeding of the soldiers. It is also reputed to stop nose bleeds and aid in the healing of bruises.
Millefolum, the species name, means “thousand leaves” and refers to the leaves that are feathery and of many tiny leaflets. Common names referrencing the leaves include Milfoil, Thousand Leaves and Thousand Seal. There are other herbs that share these names so it is imperative to know the Latin names when studying herbs.
Yarrow has been associated with superstition and folk lore. Additional common names include the Devil’s Plaything, Devil’s Nettle and Old Man’s Pepper. It is said that one could summon the devil with this herb if they wished. Personally, there are other spells I find much more intriguing!
One of Yarrow's most valuable traits its use in attracting love. There are several poems that can be used to reveal the identity of a future sweetheart. One of the most popular requires an ounce of yarrow to be placed into a small flannel pouch, then under the pillow. Before falling to sleep the following poem is to be recited:
Millefolum, the species name, means “thousand leaves” and refers to the leaves that are feathery and of many tiny leaflets. Common names referrencing the leaves include Milfoil, Thousand Leaves and Thousand Seal. There are other herbs that share these names so it is imperative to know the Latin names when studying herbs.
Yarrow has been associated with superstition and folk lore. Additional common names include the Devil’s Plaything, Devil’s Nettle and Old Man’s Pepper. It is said that one could summon the devil with this herb if they wished. Personally, there are other spells I find much more intriguing!
One of Yarrow's most valuable traits its use in attracting love. There are several poems that can be used to reveal the identity of a future sweetheart. One of the most popular requires an ounce of yarrow to be placed into a small flannel pouch, then under the pillow. Before falling to sleep the following poem is to be recited:
“Thou pretty herb of Venus’ tree,
Thy true name is yarrow
Now who my boson friend must be,
Pray tell thou me tomorrow.”
Thy true name is yarrow
Now who my boson friend must be,
Pray tell thou me tomorrow.”
A vision of your future love will appear to you in a dream during the night. When the identity of this special person has been revealed, the following poem will be useful.
“Good morrow, good morrow,
Sweet yarrow to you.
If I see my true love in white
The love to me is ever bright.
If I see my love in blue,
The love to me is ever true.
If I see my love in black,
The love to me will lack.”
Sweet yarrow to you.
If I see my true love in white
The love to me is ever bright.
If I see my love in blue,
The love to me is ever true.
If I see my love in black,
The love to me will lack.”
An herb that stops bleeding, summons the devil and predicts the future is certainly a valuable addition to ones garden, but the useful properties don’t end there. Rinsing the scalp with a tisane of the herb had been known to cure baldness! It would be difficult to find a more versatile herb, and it grows in abundance along roadsides in many areas of the world!